Objective vs. subjective: What’s the difference?

What is an objective statement?

Objectivity is a perspective closest to factual, measurable data or observations. An objective statement is impartial, devoid of personal opinions or biases, and holds universal validity. Scientific statements such as “the freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit” are objective because they’ve been proven through experimentation and generally accepted as fact.

What is a subjective statement?

In contrast, subjectivity is based on personal opinions, feelings, or perspectives. A subjective perspective is influenced by one’s own individual experiences and emotions, as well as their interpretations of both. Therefore, a subjective opinion is unique to each person. If you said, “It’s too cold to go outside,” that’s a subjective statement: while you believe it’s cold, someone else might think it’s not as bad.

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How to navigate objective statements and subjective opinions

The ability to determine whether a statement is subjective or objective has vast implications in our modern, media-driven world: objectivity is the basis of journalistic or scientific integrity, while subjectivity is based on personality and one’s ability to influence others.

Subjective statements are personal, which means that they may be biased or judgmental. This might not make it untrue: after all, one’s opinion can be valid. However, if you’re looking for the veracity of facts, without the influence of an individual’s personal viewpoint, it’s vitally important to recognize when a statement is subjective or objective.

Subjective writing will expand past the basic facts of a situation (the “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how” of reporting) to add such elements as colorful language, personal statements, or phrases such as “I believe” or “I think.”

In fields like science or academia, objectivity is one of the most fundamental standards: experiments and their conclusions are based on observable facts and rigorous testing to ensure accuracy, while historic data such as years and locations contribute to reliability.

Conversely, art or personal experiences often express subjective statements. The emotional impact of a painting or poem, or one’s response to events both personal and global, can vary among individuals based on their unique perspectives.

Genres and mediums for subjective statements may include:

• Criticism
• Art and entertainment reviews
• Personal essays
• Op-ed columns
• Advice columns

In contrast, you’ll find objective statements in the following:

• Scientific or medical journals
• Research papers
• Academic writing
• Encyclopedias
• Investigative journalism
• Historical texts

Ultimately, objective statements deal with the cold, hard facts to reinforce credibility, transparency, and accurate reporting—while subjective statements delve (or expand) into personal viewpoints and emotions. Recognizing and balancing both facets is essential for informed decision-making, such as deciding who or what to vote for in an election, avoiding fallacies, or giving a speech during a debate.

Next time you encounter these terms, remember that the objective is what can be proven, while the subjective is how it feels or is perceived. Understand the objective for accuracy and appreciate the subjective for opinions and influence—it’s about embracing the multitude of ways we experience and comprehend the world around us. For more ways to gain perspective in your work, check out writing tips such as how to avoid making circular arguments, understanding oxymorons, or noting the differences between metaphor and simile.